My name is Francis Maloney and im 28. Im a swissvax authorised detailer and i live in south warwickshire, 5 mins from the aston martin factory.

What else can I tell you about me?

Well before i found detailing, i was a postman for 10 years! I used to skateboard and did so for about 9 years and was pretty good, though ive not been on a board for a long time.

How did you ‘get into’ detailing?

When i didnt know much cleaning cars, i used to just go down to halfords and buy autoglymsrp and shampoo, drying with a water blade! Then as i got more involved with bmw forums, i went to megs and then i saw a swissvax advert in the back of c&sc and it looked awesome. I saw a swissvax stand at supercar sunday at gaydon and though it was very expensive for me at the time, though i have never looked back. From then on, i used to spend all day on the car doing things properly, so i guess you could say it started then.

How long have you been detailing at ‘this’ level?

I would say about 2 years (as a business), though i learn more everyday and with experience comes knowledge.

How did you learn to machine polish?

I saw it on here, so i bought a pc and had a go with that and then bought my makita not long after. Nobody showed me how to do it and it was very hard at first, but then one day it just clicked and i could control the machine without it running away from me. Ive never had a scrap panel to practise on, all my practising has been done on mine and my friends cars.

To anyone learning to machine polish, i would say its all about practise practise practise.

How many cars have detailed over the years?

To be honest, im not sure, but its in 3 figures, though alot less than some of the guys on here. though.

Tell me about your first detail

i cant remember the first to be honest, but this is one of the first proper details i can remember.

All i have is my vivaro now. That gets waxed every now and then, but not "detailed" that often. Some might remember it when i wet sanded the whole thing.

What is your favourite car to detail and why?

Not a porsche thats for sure. Lambo's and BMW's are probably my favorite cars to detail.

Do you prefer to detail a Supercar or everyday car?

I dont do that many everyday cars really (fords etc), but i would go for a supercar every time. I love them and i'll never be able to afford one, so its the next best thing i guess.

What piece of detailing kit do you think every detailer should have in their arsenal? (excluding the obvious stuff like wash mitts etc.)

A ptg is a must. 3m tape is very handy stuff, but i think clean soft mf towels are very important.

What are your current favourite brands and why?

Swissvax, because they are the best wax makers (imo). Im a big zaino fan and i have to give a shout out to the dodo boys. Top lads and they have the best marketing and product names out there. Good products too.

What do you do when you’re not detailing?

Now that i dont skateboard anymore, i dont have any active hobbies really, so its just going out with friends etc. Im also a big movie fan.